WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, today held a hearing on the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses in the defense acquisitions process. Although many small defense firms have unique perspectives and products to offer our military and defense agencies, there are barriers in place that effectively prevent these businesses from securing contracts.

“There are many small businesses in my community and elsewhere that have exciting, innovative products to offer our defense agencies,” said Rep. Sanchez. “Yet, these firms are having difficulty sharing their technologies because they’re not always told what our military’s needs are. We have too much to gain from research and development in the small business sector to let these firms be shut out of the defense acquisition process.”

At the hearing, Rep. Sanchez, who is also a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee, repeatedly stressed the important role small businesses should play in the defense industry. In addition to being the backbone of our economy, small businesses are a key driver of innovation. Small defense firms also have different perspectives on key national security issues than large firms, which makes their contributions that much more valuable.

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